Is Weetabix really healthy?

Many of us grew up eating Weetabix. Unlike the “fun” cereals that were loaded with chocolate and sugar, Weetabix always seemed very unsophisticated. Marketed as “good food you can trust”, it’s definitely something to look and enjoy healthy yes be good to you?

But the recent focus on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has raised questions about how healthy Weetabix really is. After all, it is difficult – but not impossible – to make your own wheat crackers at home, as they are (at least) a processed food.

To make things more confusing, you can now choose from several different types of Weetabix, designed to suit all tastes and dietary preferences: from high protein and organic recipes, to crispy, mini flakes with added fruit and nuts, and even chocolate flavored biscuits. . The one thing they all have in common is the tendency to turn to cement if you forget to rinse your bowl. This is due to the high starch content, which turns Weetabix into a sticky paste when mixed with water, similar to the process used to make paper. Although that is not very tasty, there is no need to worry about the same thing happening in your digestive system.

“Remember, your stomach and intestines break down food using digestive enzymes and bacteria, so it’s not sitting around drying like it does in the bowl,” says Emma Shafquat, a pediatric dietitian.

If you want to avoid ultra-processed foods (UPFs), you might be on the lookout for foods that contain ingredients you wouldn’t find in your kitchen cupboard.

However, Rhiannon Lambert, registered nutritionist, is an author The Science of Plant-Based Nutrition and founder of Rhitrition and Rhitrition Plus clinics, that this is not always a cause for concern. “People often see words like ‘niacin,’ ‘riboflavin,’ folic acid’ on the back of cereal boxes and worry that chemicals have been added, which are unnatural or harmful. However, these nutrients are vital to our health and are added to foods such as Weetabix to help ensure safe intake.”

Shafquat agrees. She says: “For many children, especially picky eaters, and adults, especially women, fortified cereals can be a great way to add extra iron. Also, folic acid can reduce the risk of neural tube defects during pregnancy, so I think it’s a positive thing that Weetabix is ​​fortified with additional nutrients.”

Five reasons why Weetabix can be considered healthy

According to experts, Weetabix can be considered healthy for the following reasons:

1. It is low in sugar

“Weetabix is ​​low in sugar, which helps manage blood sugar levels. This is extremely important for energy, and especially relevant for children. If your child is sent to school after a bowl of sugary cereal their blood glucose levels will rise quickly, then drop dramatically, leaving them hungry and likely unable to concentrate,” says Lambert.

2. It is high in fiber

“This is good for your digestive health and helps you feel full longer,” says Shafquat.

3. It is confirmed

“We know that the main source of iron in our diets comes from fortified cereals such as Weetabix,” says Lambert. “However, here in the UK, if a product is labeled ‘organic’ it cannot be fortified with any nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.”

Surprisingly, this gives the original Weetabix the edge over the organic version nutritionally.

4. It is low in salt

“There is only 0.10g of salt in two biscuits,” says Shafquat. In the UK, the advice is that adults should eat less than 6g of salt a day, so this won’t have much of an effect.

5. It is convenient

“Weetabix can be quickly prepared with milk or a plant-based alternative and topped with fruit for added nutrition and variety,” says Lambert. “This ease of preparation makes it a great choice for busy mornings when time is limited.”

But is Weetabix UPF?

When was the last time you added barley extract to your shopping list? It’s not an ingredient commonly used by home cooks, and the main reason is that, technically, Weetabix is ​​UPF.

Lambert explains: “Despite its relatively simple ingredients list, Weetabix belongs in the category [of UPFs] due to the presence of added sugars and certain processed ingredients such as malted barley extract. However, not all UPFs are created equal. For example, original Weetabix varieties provide a good source of whole grains, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals, making a positive addition to a balanced diet. This distinction shows why we should not label all UPF as unhealthy.”

Shafquat agrees: “Weetabix would be low down on my list of foods to avoid because they are UPF.”

Verdict: Is Weetabix healthy?

Look at the nutritional information, and original Weetbix ticks all the healthy food boxes, with a full set of green lights, according to the traffic light labeling system.

However, not all varieties of Weetabix are created equal – and some varieties are much healthier than others. For example, flavored Weetabix like chocolate, banana, and fruit and nuts have a much higher sugar content (up to 8.1g for the chocolate flavored biscuits). Surprisingly, even healthy options like Weetabix Protein don’t stand up to the originals.

“These cereals are a good way to get a good portion of your daily protein intake through breakfast, but it comes at the cost of a slightly higher sugar content than the original Weetabix,” explains Lambert.

Our experts agree that a bowl of Weetabix is ​​a healthy way to start the day – unless you choose the original varieties.

Lambert concluded: “I would choose original Weetabix or Oatibix as they offer a balanced nutritional profile with minimal added sugars, making them a great breakfast option for most people. This also gives you the freedom to pair your plain biscuits with healthy toppings of your choice.”

How to boost your Weetabix bowl

Yes, Weetabix can be a bit boring, but Lambert has the following suggestions to make it tastier – and more nutritious.

• Add a spoonful of nut butter: “Try almond or peanut butter, to increase the unsaturated fat content. Combined with the high fiber content of Weetabix, this helps to slow the digestion and absorption of sugar, resulting in a more gradual blood glucose response that keeps you feeling fuller for longer.”

• Sprinkle on some nuts: “Nuts are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, which may help protect your body from oxidative stress and support overall health.”

• Top with fresh fruit: “Berries, bananas or apples add natural sweetness, vitamins and fibre, which add to the nutritional profile of your breakfast. Combining Weetabix with a fresh orange is very beneficial as oranges are high in vitamin C. Weetabix is ​​fortified with iron, which can help improve its absorption.”

• Add it to yogurt: “Try crushing up a Weetabix and sprinkling it on a bowl of yoghurt. This adds extra protein to your meal, creating a longer-lasting feeling of fullness.”